What are opiates?
Opiates, sometimes referred to as narcotics, are a group of drugs which are used medically to relieve pain, but also have a high potential for abuse. Some opiates come from a resin taken from the seed pod of the Asian poppy. This group of drugs includes opium, morphine, heroin, and codeine. Other opiates, such as meperidine (Demerol), are synthesized or manufactured. Opium appears as dark brown chunks or as a powder and is usually smoked or eaten. Heroin can be a white or brownish powder which is usually dissolved in water and then injected. Most street preparations of heroin are diluted, or "cut," with other substances such as sugar or quinine. Other opiates come in a variety of forms including capsules, tablets, syrups, solutions, and suppositories.

Does using opiates cause dependence or addiction?
Yes. Dependence is likely, especially if a person uses a lot of the drug or even uses it occasionally over a long period of time. When a person becomes dependent, finding and using the drug often becomes the main focus in life. As more and more of the drug is used over time, larger amounts are needed to get the same effects. This is called tolerance.

What are the physical dangers?
The physical dangers depend on the specific opiate used, its source, the dose, and the way it is used. Most of the dangers are caused by using too much of a drug, the use of unsterile needles, contamination of the drug itself, or combining the drug with other substances. Over time, opiate users may develop infections of the heart lining and valves, skin abscesses, and congested lungs. Infections from unsterile solutions, syringes, and needles can cause illnesses such stronger approximately 24-72 hours after they begin, and subside within 7-10 days. Sometimes symptoms such as sleeplessness and drug craving can last for months.

What are some other names for heroin?

"smack", "junk", "horse", "skag", "H", "China white"
 

How is heroin used?
Heroin is usually injected, sniffed/snorted, or smoked. Typically, a heroin abuser may inject heroin up to four times a day. Heroin intravenous injection provides the greatest intensity and most rapid onset of euphoria (7 to 8 seconds), while heroin intramuscular injection produces a relatively slow onset of euphoria (5 to 8 minutes). When heroin is sniffed or smoked, peak effects are usually felt within 10 to 15 minutes. Although smoking and sniffing heroin do not produce a "rush" as quickly or as intensely as intravenous injection, researchers have confirmed that all three forms of heroin administration are addictive.

Heroin injection continues to be the predominant method of heroin use among addicted users seeking treatment; however, researchers have observed a shift in heroin use patterns, from injection to sniffing and smoking. In fact, sniffing/snorting heroin is now the most widely reported means of taking heroin among users admitted for heroin treatment.

Is Heroin Illegal                                                                                                                                                                            Yes, Heroin is illegal.  heroin is a Schedule II substance under the Controlled Substances Act.  Schedule II drugs which include PCP and crack cocaine, have a high potential for abuse.  Abuse of these drugs may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.

                        The Bahamas National Drug Council

P. O. Box N-9348

Royal Victoria Gardens

Nassau, Bahamas

Tel: 1-242-325-4633/4

Fax: 1-242-325-8442

                                               Email:bndc@batelnet.